Electric car battery boosts range by 35%

The result of a £1.3million project, the prototype battery utilises Nickel Cobalt Manganese electrochemistry, which theoretically requires 50% less volume and 30% less mass when compared to Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry at cell level. A key goal of the project, according to Axeon, was to confirm that these cell level benefits pass through to the battery pack level when taking into account overall packaging, cell retention, cooling and interconnects, battery management system components and overall system functionality. Together with partners Ricardo and Allied Vehicles, Axeon has deployed the technology into an advanced demonstrator, resulting in increased range, functionality and performance. The collaborators are now involved in active discussions to commercialise the new technologies. "This new battery represents a real step forward in the development of electric vehicles and is highly versatile," said Lawrence Berns, Axeon's ceo. "It is suitable for applications for many vehicle manufacturers and across a wide range of platforms." Ricardo chief technology and innovation officer, Professor Neville Jackson, added: "The new battery will improve the potential for more widespread vehicle electrification, a process that has the potential to significantly reduce global dependence on fossil fuels and minimise carbon dioxide emissions."